Director Nabeel Qureshi reflects on the success of Actor In Law

For filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi, director of 2014’s Na Maloom Afraad and this year’s big hit, Actor In Law, commercial success is primarily defined by box office numbers. Nabeel spoke to Instep on the sidelines of Lahore Se Aagey music launch event in Karachi, where he was present with producing partner Fizza Ali Meerza to support the ongoing revival of cinema.

Explaining what in his mind constitutes a “hit” film, Qureshi told Instep: “There is a basic rule when it comes to the success of any film and that’s box office figures.”

Reflecting on the success of Actor In Law, which earned positive reviews as well as big bucks on the box office, Qureshi stated: “Thankfully, Actor In Law has done well critically and commercially. Whether you look at it from a business point of view or as a barometer for the success of the actors involved, it all counts.”

Aside from the film’s success, Qureshi also reflected on his casting decisions and revealed it was purely merit based. “Is there a comfort level with Fahad? Yes. Do we share certain chemistry, friendship? Yes. But being a director, I always cast people based on merit. Fahad is a brilliant actor. In the future also, I will continue to work with people based on merit.”

To Qureshi, the ban imposed on Pakistani artists by the IMPPA as well as the ban placed on Indian films in Pakistan as well as the ongoing tension that has made the artist community vulnerable on both sides of the border, is unfortunate. “Art and artists should be beyond borders. I think Indian films should screen in Pakistan and our actors should be allowed to work in India. I think it will sort itself out, hopefully soon,” he said on a conclusive note.